Iowa House passes 2% funding increase for schools

DES MOINES — The Iowa House has approved an education funding measure that provides a 2 percent increase in state per-pupil funding for the budget year beginning in July.

The bill approved Monday night would boost per-pupil support from the state general fund to nearly $3.3 billion, but education advocates say at least a 3 percent increase is needed to keep up with inflation.

Democrats proposed an amendment to the Republican-led bill that would have provided the 3 percent with some of the money going to increasing teacher pay. The proposal was rejected.

State enrollment, on which the figures are based, is expected to increase by 1,387 students this year to 487,652.

The school funding package includes teacher salary supplements, professional development and teacher leadership compensation.

The Senate hasn't yet approved an education funding bill.

Lawmakers approved a separate bill to provide schools $21.3 million, including funding for transportation in districts where the cost of busing students is higher.

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